Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the side of your bed. They usually have one side that can be dropped down for easy access and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're on the move. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their baby during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. foldable bedside crib 's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then raise it again after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, however it is still compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It is also recommended to choose a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also simple to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. large bedside crib 's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those with little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.